Text Boxes as Lexicographic Device in LSP Dictionaries

It is the duty of the lexicographer to maximally utilise all lexicographic devices at his/her disposal in the compilation of a dictionary. In modern-day dictionaries lexicographers often rely on lexicographic text boxes as a means to present lexicographic data, especially where stronger emphasis or additional data regarding a specific entry is needed. It could be argued that the use of text boxes as a lexicographic device is underutilised in general dictionaries and even more so in LSP dictionaries. They should however not be used in a haphazard way but rather according to a well-devised system. Looking at existing dictionaries one often realises that a random use of text boxes has a detrimental influence on successful data retrieval. Text boxes should be used for data that need to be presented in a position of salience. The aim of this paper is first to give an overview of the current status of the use of text boxes in LSP dictionaries; secondly, to offer some suggestions as to the effective use of text boxes in these dictionaries by drawing on an analysis of the current use of text boxes in LGP dictionaries.